Brussels, Belgium – China warned the European Union against imposing restrictions on Chinese companies, asserting that it would take countermeasures to protect its economic interests.
It also called for continued dialogue to resolve the escalating trade disputes between the two sides.
Escalating trade tensions
Economic relations between China and the European Union have become increasingly
strained in recent months following European accusations that Beijing engages in unfair competition.
Europe also accuses China of subsidizing its industrial sectors in a way that negatively impacts European markets.
The EU points to the widening trade deficit with China, which has reached record levels in goods trade,
and considers it one of the most significant challenges facing economic relations between the two sides.
Beijing rejects European accusations
For its part, the Chinese government rejects accusations of unfair competition, asserting that economic cooperation
between the two sides should be based on mutual interests and constructive dialogue.
The head of the Chinese mission to the European Union, Cai Ruom, stated that China and the EU are “partners, not adversaries,”
emphasizing the need to avoid politicizing economic and trade issues or using them as tools for political pressure.
He added that Beijing opposes any restrictions imposed under the guise of risk reduction or de-escalation.
He also warned that China would respond with countermeasures if the EU persisted in adopting such policies.
Calls for dialogue and avoiding confrontation
Despite the warning tone, China emphasized that trade disputes can be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.
It also indicated that both sides have the capacity to address outstanding issues through diplomatic and economic channels.
These statements come ahead of a planned visit by Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to Brussels.
Both sides are currently seeking to contain economic tensions and maintain
their trade relationship, which is among the largest in the world.
This comes amid concerns about the repercussions of any further escalation on the global economy and international supply chains.
